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FIFA Appoints Talent Coach, Eilidh Mackay, to Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is thrilled to announce its participation in FIFA’s prestigious global Talent Development Scheme (TDS), an initiative dedicated to nurturing young athletes with exceptional potential. This program is set to revolutionize youth football in Turks and Caicos by establishing sustainable systems focused on:

  • Identifying Talent
  • Training Talent
  • Showcasing Talent
  • Creating Developmental Environments

It has been established that the most successful nations are characterized by robust quality education programs. However, many countries currently lack adequate opportunities for young players to develop their skills. FIFA is poised to act as a catalyst for nurturing young talent in regions where such opportunities are limited, particularly through the Talent Development Scheme.

To address these challenges, nations are establishing national academies and recruiting skilled coaches to enhance their infrastructure and promote football development. The collaboration between FIFA and its member associations is vital in this endeavor. FIFA provides both technical and financial support, while member associations demonstrate their commitment to creating the necessary frameworks for success.

The overarching mission is to foster a robust culture of individual player development, ensuring every young talent is given the opportunity to excel. This initiative transcends traditional coaching; it is about unlocking potential, crafting long-term player pathways, and empowering youth to succeed both on and off the field.

In response to the recent developments, FIFA has appointed Eilidh Mackay, AFC/FA A Licensed Coach, to the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) for a two-year term. Eilidh will be stationed in Providenciales. Hailing from Scotland, she previously contributed to a FIFA Talent Development Scheme in Bhutan, South Asia.

Coach Mackay, in collaboration with the TCIFA Technical Team, will spearhead the development of the TCIFA Talent Development Pathway. Under the expert direction of both Coach Mackay and TCIFA Talent Development Leader Lenford Singh, the initial phase focuses on scouting boys born in 2013 and 2014 on the island of Providenciales. This phase will culminate in the formation of the first training cohort, which will consist of selected U12 boys and U14 girls. This comprehensive pathway will soon extend across all four islands- i.e. Providenciales, North/ Middle Caicos, South Caicos, and Grand Turk.

By leveraging the expertise of Coach Mackay, the TCIFA aims to build a resilient ecosystem that supports young athletes through its structured training sessions and competitive opportunities.

TCIFA Technical Director, Dane Ritchie, explained “The Talent Development Scheme (TDS) is indeed of great benefit to us here in Turks and Caicos Islands as it allows us to create opportunities for the best talents across the country to train and play together. The TDS environment will foster development of the best players as they will challenge each other to get better. Having Coach Eilidh Mackay here as our FIFA Talent Coach will help us tremendously to shape the future of our TDS program. She will focus on providing support for a structured and sustainable program that will identify, train and play talent players with focus on the players individual development.

We are excited to have Eilidh on board with us and looking forward to he support to further develop our TDS program over the next two years”

Coach Mackay commented, “I’m excited to work with TCIFA to help shape a player development environment that puts the individual at the heart of the journey. This program is built around the principle of player first, then team focusing on long term development. We will be striving to connect the islands through best with best opportunities.”

The program will incorporate FIFA training methodology that supports the individual development of players creating an environment that better prepares young footballers of Turks and Caicos for the demands of modern football.

The TCIFA Talent Development Pathway is designed for young individuals who not only exhibit exceptional talent but also possess the ambition and mindset essential for continuous growth and improvement. This pathway embraces a holistic approach, encompassing football skills, monitoring academic competencies and various other elements to ensure comprehensive consideration of all aspects of the child’s development. Participants in the program are expected to demonstrate commitment and discipline by actively engaging both on-pitch and off-pitch. In this dynamic setting, every participant is inspired to reach their full potential, both as an athlete and as an individual, paving the way for future successes.

The TCIFA Technical Team recognises that player development is inherently non-linear. To support and nurture each player’s unique journey, TCIFA remains committed to providing opportunities for growth. Consequently, players who are not initially selected during the early stages of the scouting process may still have the opportunity to be considered later on. The TCIFA Technical Team will continuously monitor player development across the grassroots program, Fortis League, school competitions, and various other developmental events throughout the year.

“Coach Mackay’s appointment marks a significant milestone in our journey to elevate youth football in our nation. We are confident that her expertise and dedication will greatly enhance our TDS Program, providing our young athletes with unparalleled opportunities to grow and excel. Together, we are committed to creating a dynamic and supportive environment that nurtures the potential of every player, ensuring a bright future for football in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said TCIFA General Secretary, Tamara Hall-Worme.

For more information about the FIFA TDS Talent Coach Programme visit Talent Development – FIFA Training Centre

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Academy Eagles FC crowned Beaches Turks & Caicos sponsored Provo Men’s Premier League champions 2026  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — The Academy Eagles FC were crowned champions of the Beaches sponsored Men’s Provo Premier League after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over defending champions, SWA Sharks, at the Venetian Road football field.

In a match that featured a mix of youth and experienced players, the Academy Eagles eventually broke through late in the game when Jean Innocent found the back of the net in the 77th minute. Innocent doubled the lead in the 95th minute from the penalty spot to clinch the championship.

Academy Eagles head coach Aaron Lawrence expressed immense pride in his squad’s performance. “I applaud the team for their discipline throughout the season and their ability to stick to the plan heading into this game,” Lawrence shared, adding special praise for team captain Myherwens Varis for “following tactical instructions throughout the game.”

“This victory would not have been possible without the thoughtful support from our main sponsor, Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. This is the second year running with this relationship. This has provided exposure for the semi-professional players and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association,” Lawrence noted.

On the opposing sideline, SWA Sharks coach Jack Watson was modest in defeat. While he noted that his team executed their strategy well, he recognized the Eagles’ determination. “I congratulate the Eagles team for wanting the win more,” Watson said. “We played to the game plan, but I fault a lapse in judgment that gave up two goals.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos, returning for a second year of sponsoring the competition, expressed ongoing dedication to youth football in the islands. General Manager Deryk Meany shared his enthusiasm, “I am satisfied with the impact that the league is having on youth development throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands and our resort’s involvement in fielding a team for the competition.” The final phase of the tournament now transitions to a knockout format among the eight participating clubs.

League executives also weighed in on the success of the season. Provo Premier League President, Phillip Baptiste, expressed his satisfaction with the league format and highlighted the significant progress made by the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) over the course of the tournament.

“This is what true success looks like as corporate partners like Beaches Turks and Caicos resort joins forces with the TCIFA in providing an avenue for youth development and sports. While we are happy for the continued sponsorship, we are anticipating more support from other entities. This is not only a win for sports, it is a win for development here in the TCI,” Baptiste shared.

TCIFA Technical Director Dane Ritchie echoed these positive sentiments, pointing to the league’s development as an avenue for showcasing local talent on a broader stage. “Our team continues to learn as they work on developing talents with the youth players, as well as providing a broader marketing avenue for the league to be seen internationally with FIFA+ streaming,” Ritchie said.

He added, “the TCIFA commends the growth of the coaching staff involved in the league and looks forward to further enhancing the competition to make them more competitive in the Caribbean leagues.”

Beaches FC and Cheshire Hall FC have both punched their tickets for the first two spots in the semifinals with a 2-0 win over Teachers’ Young Strikers and 5-0 thrashing of Provo United respectively in the first two quarter finals.

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Beaches Turks and Caicos Cricket Club dominates the TCICA T20 Prelim Round  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — The Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Cricket Club has officially topped the preliminary round of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association T20 competition in spectacular fashion. The squad concluded this crucial phase with highly impressive statistics, establishing themselves as the undisputed team to beat moving forward.

Team captain Sidue Hunter has been heavily instrumental in guiding the squad through their impressive run, expressing deep confidence in their collective abilities. “I am very comfortable with the progress of the squad because we have been playing good, cohesive team cricket,” Hunter stated. He further highlighted the reason for the team’s success this season, “the different areas within the squad, batting, fielding and bowling have been truly representing themselves well out there on the pitch, this is the main reason for our success this season.”

Beyond his strategic captaincy, Hunter has led by brilliant example at the crease, currently topping the competition’s overall batting charts with a staggering 383 runs. However, he is certainly not carrying the offensive load alone, as the profound depth of the Beaches batting order has been a major factor in their high-scoring victories. Teammates Kenneth Lewis and Jerome Daley have provided critical support through the middle overs, securing their places among the league’s top ten highest run-scorers with 139 and 134 runs respectively.

On the defensive side of the pitch, the bowling attack has been effectively spearheaded by the exceptional form of Anthony ‘Moses’ McKnight. The talented bowler has successfully captured 11 crucial wickets so far in the tournament, consistently dismantling the top orders of rival clubs. Reflecting on the squad’s remarkable chemistry and raw talent this year, McKnight confidently noted, “the composition of the team this season is simply the best I have ever seen.”

General Manager Deryk Meany has actively praised the seamless transition of the resort’s collaborative culture onto the competitive cricket pitch. “The team has been showing the true strength of teamwork, as the maturity and experience they display within the different areas of the resort have seamlessly translated onto the field of play,” Meany explained. This unique corporate-athletic synergy highlights the profound benefits of balancing demanding professional responsibilities with competitive recreational sports.

The overarching success of the Beaches cricket team ultimately boils down to their unwavering mutual support and highly unified goals. Meany further emphasized this internal dynamic, proudly adding, “these players represent the true meaning of teamwork, constantly providing support for each other to produce the best possible results.” As the T20 competition inevitably advances into its later stages, this unified and disciplined front makes the club a heavily favoured contender for the championship title.

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Caribbean News

Team Trinidad & Tobago Makes Waves with Historic CARIFTA Aquatics Performance

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April 14, 2026 – Team Trinidad and Tobago delivered one of the most commanding performances at the 2026 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, finishing third overall in swimming and second in athletics, signaling a powerful resurgence on the regional stage.

Competing in Martinique, the swim team amassed an impressive 747 points and 59 medals—20 gold, 19 silver and 20 bronze—in what officials are calling a historic showing. The result marks a significant step forward from previous years, reinforcing the country’s growing strength across disciplines and age groups.

Standout performances came from a deep and talented squad. Zahara Anthony led the charge with 72 points, dominating the Girls 11–12 division across freestyle, butterfly and individual medley events. Liam Carrington followed closely with 69 points, delivering a near-flawless campaign in the Boys 15–17 category, while Marena Martinez, Xaiden Valentine and Serenity Pantin added critical points with consistent podium finishes.

The team’s strength was not limited to individual brilliance. Athletes like Micah Alexander, Ethan McMillan-Cole and Jaden Mills showcased versatility and depth, while relay contributions from swimmers including Julius Ennals and Anpherne Bernard helped secure the team’s overall standing.

The performance drew high praise from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs in Trinidad and Tobago, which welcomed the team home in celebration of what was described as a defining moment for the programme.

Minister Phillip Watts noted, “This success is not accidental. It is the result of hard work, structure, vision, and belief. Our young athletes are proving that Trinidad and Tobago is rising again.”

He added that every performance sent a clear message across the region that the country is “not standing still… we are moving forward.”

The showing in Martinique underscores the impact of sustained investment in youth development, coaching and systems, with Team TTO emerging as one of the most complete and competitive squads at CARIFTA 2026.

With momentum now firmly on their side, Trinidad and Tobago’s swimmers are not just competing—they are setting the pace for the future of Caribbean aquatics.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

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